Hey y'all! If you're a fan of classic comfort food with a delicious twist, you're going to fall in love with this French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe. Imagine all the luscious, caramelized flavors of traditional French onion soup—sweet onions, rich broth, gooey cheese—combined with tender pasta for a heartier, more comforting meal. Whether you're cooking for a cozy family dinner, entertaining friends, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
- It melds the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with the satisfying bite of pasta for a unique meal.
- Perfect for chilly nights, this soup is wonderfully warming and filling.
- The gooey, broiled cheese topping adds irresistible texture and flavor.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheese or pasta shapes.
- Great for meal prep—make ahead and enjoy all week!
Ingredients for French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) dried short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Baguette slices (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions: How to Make French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. (Don’t rush this step—it’s key for flavor!)
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the soup simmers, cook pasta in a separate large pot according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes); drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
- Preheat your broiler. Stir cooked pasta into the soup base. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle soup with pasta into oven-safe bowls placed on a baking sheet.
- Top each bowl with a mix of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. (Add baguette slice on top if desired.)
- Broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve piping hot. Enjoy your French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe!
Notes & Helpful Tips for French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
- Take your time caramelizing onions for that signature sweet flavor. Learn more about caramelizing onions here.
- Use oven-safe soup bowls to easily broil and melt the cheese topping.
- For an extra punch, mix in a splash of sherry or Marsala before serving.
French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip Worcestershire sauce (or use a vegetarian version).
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta and bread.
- Chicken Twist: Add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
Required Equipment for French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Large pot for pasta
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Baking sheet
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions
Let leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Pasta may absorb broth over time; add a splash of water or broth when reheating. Freeze (without cheese topping) for up to 2 months for longer storage. More on safe food storage.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine.
- Serve alongside toasted baguette or sourdough for dipping.
- Finish the meal with a light fruit dessert or sorbet.
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
- Use a mix of cheeses for the ultimate melt and flavor. See cheese options here.
- Try to slice onions evenly so they caramelize consistently.
- If soup thickens overnight, thin with a bit of hot broth when reheating.
FAQ: French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe
Can I make this French Onion Pasta Bowl Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap in vegetable broth and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or omit it entirely.
What’s the best pasta shape for this soup?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini work best as they hold onto the rich broth and cheese.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the soup creamy and brothy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 4 slices baguette (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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1In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
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2Stir in the thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
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3Add the dry pasta to the pot and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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4Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese.
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5Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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